The Washington DC Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS) kicks off tomorrow Friday January 10 at 3 p.m. During all weekend Indian Motorcycle will showcase for the 1st time in the nation’s capital its entire 2014 Indian Chief models lineup, organize a series of events and will offer a $1000 military incentive on all bikes to American and Canadian military personnel.

“Stars and Stripes Saturday Sponsored by Indian Motorcycle” – Free Saturday Admission for U.S. Military Personnel
On Saturday only, Indian Motorcycle is proud to offer free admission to the IMS event as a part of the company’s ongoing support of the U.S. military. All personnel with a valid military ID will be admitted to the day’s events courtesy of Indian Motorcycle by presenting their credentials at the VIP service center. Once admitted, military attendees are encouraged to stop by the Indian Motorcycle display to receive a limited-edition Indian Motorcycle gift.

“Honoring Heroes”- Take Advantage of a $1,000 Military Incentive on the 2014 Indian Chief Lineup
As a special thanks to those who protect our freedoms at home and aboard, Indian Motorcycle is proud to offer members of the U.S. Military a $1,000 incentive on the purchase of any of the three exciting new 2014 Indian Chief models. Stop by the Indian Motorcycle exhibit this weekend or visit www.indianmotorcycle.com to learn more about the Honoring Heroes incentive program in honor of the proud and dedicated members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Experience Indian Motorcycles – Past and Present
Stop by the all-new exhibit to check out the entire line of 2014 Indian Chief models including the Indian Chief Classic, the Indian Chief Vintage and the Indian Chieftain. Indian Motorcycle will feature a host of historically significant motorcycles including the ‘Spirit of Munro’ Streamliner, a one-of-a-kind custom vehicle built by Indian to pay homage to Burt Munro who famously rode into the history books on an Indian in 1962 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Attendees will also want to check out a collection of fully restored pre-1953 era Indian bikes including a 1948 Vintage Indian Chief, a 1935 Indian Chief originally featured on HISTORY® Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ series, and more.

See the Thunder Stroke 111 Engine
Throughout the weekend’s festivities, Indian Motorcycle will highlight the inspiring design and power of the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine, the heartbeat of the 2014 Indian Chiefs. The exhibit will feature a cut-away version of the new engine to demonstrate the engineering prowess behind the new power plant.

See the ‘Big Chief Custom’ One-of-a-Kind Custom Bike
IMS attendees will be treated to a custom 2014 Chief Classic designed by the Indian Motorcycle Industrial Design team led by Greg Brew. Incorporating a number of accessories currently available for the Chiefs as well as a custom paint scheme and several unique features, this Big Chief Custom is sure to inspire the customization possibilities for the new Indian Chiefs.

I can’t speak to the specific accessories that we are working on right now but I can tell you that the accessories team is constantly listening to consumers’ needs and will be developing products to meet our rider’s needs. We do have in our collection as seat that moves the rider forward – specifically designed for those with shorter inseams. And as quickly as we are developing accessories, AND the aftermarket is responding to our new bikes, I’m sure that practical solutions will come up. I doubt we would lower the floorboards however – we do like maintaining lean angle, there are probably other solutions that do not hamper the bike on-road capability.

One thing to remember is that every Indian Motorcycle accessory is evaluated to the same degree as the motorcycle itself – loads of testing, high and low frequency shakers, paint, thermal, chrome tests. So while an aftermarket accessory company can quickly knock out a prototype, and start selling stuff that may fit – there isn’t (usually) the level of testing that we put into our stuff. Does that matter? Well – that’s up to each owner. Many aftermarket companies do a great job – but I know our guys build to the highest standard and design stuff right along side of the production motorcycles.